It was a time when the austerity of post-war rationing was giving way to a new world of technology, glamour, bold design and prosperity. 1952 - A celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, is a new exhibition allowing people to step back in time to see what life was really like in 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II became queen.
The exhibition, created by the Tourist Information Centre, is open from 9 May until 30 September and costs £1 for adults and 50p for children.
Themed information boards, covering topics such as transport and health, allow visitors to build up a comprehensive picture of what life was like for the average person in 1950s Britain. As well as being a fantastic learning resources for scholars, pieces such as the re-creation of a 1950s living room, complete with authentic wallpaper and furnishings, along with dresses and shoes from the era, really bring the period to life.
Children’s activities have a distinctive '50s flavour inspired by ‘Watch with mother’ and ‘Bill and Ben’. Youngsters will be able to find out about the sorts of toys their forbears would have had to keep them entertained and will be able to learn about sweet rationing.
There will also be a display of British postage stamps from the last 60 years.
Cllr David Pope, Cabinet Member for Leisure Assets, said: “With the approach of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, people are reflecting upon her sixty year reign. This exhibition focuses upon 1952, not just upon the momentous State occasions, but also on the real, everyday life on ordinary people. The range of material, particularly the re-construction of a 50s living room, really brings this part of our history to life.”
The exhibition is housed within the Custom House, King’s Lynn. It is open from 10 am – 4.30 pm Monday – Saturday and 12 noon – 4.30 pm Sunday.
